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Ben Geren Go-Kart Track Closes

The Wanna Be Racing go-kart track at Ben Geren Regional Park has closed and is looking for a new operator, Sebastian County Judge David Hudson confirmed Tuesday.

The business owner, Dan Bardin, has leased the county-owned track for several years. The last day of operation was Thursday.

“He gave us notice that he was no longer going to operate the business,” Hudson said. “He put the business up for sale but has not found anyone to buy it. … This has been in process for a couple of months.”

Hudson scheduled a meeting with Bardin on Tuesday to look over financial records and discuss the possibility of the county taking over operations.

“We think there’s some merit to having the park operate the track,” he said.

If the move seems feasible, Hudson would write a report to present to the Quorum Court in time for the next meeting, which falls on June 19.

A message left for Bardin on Tuesday afternoon was not returned.

George Fitting, a frequent user of the track, said he took a group of children and friends there Friday hoping to use up a large batch of tickets he bought in advance, but the track was already closed.

“Every year, I buy $100 worth of tickets for my kids and friends. We go several times a year,” Fitting said.

With no new operator or opening date in place, he’s concerned that he won’t get a refund or have his unused tickets honored.